Cornerstone of Design in Santa Barbara

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The owners, Mark Heatwole, 65, and Sarah Heatwole, 64, purchased this rocky property in California's Santa Barbara County in 1999, according to public records. Mr. Heatwole said they bought the more than 6 acres of raw land for about $400,000. The home took five years to design and build, Mr. Heatwole said, primarily because of the difficulty of building on the difficult terrain. But the stone formations were as important to the couple as the views, he said.

The owners, Mark Heatwole, 65, and Sarah Heatwole, 64, purchased this rocky property in California's Santa Barbara County in 1999, according to public records. Mr. Heatwole said they bought the more than 6 acres of raw land for about $400,000. The home took five years to design and build, Mr. Heatwole said, primarily because of the difficulty of building on the difficult terrain. But the stone formations were as important to the couple as the views, he said.

A major reason why the couple decided to build here, despite the difficulty, was the 'spectacular' sandstone rock formations. The building was designed around the massive stones. The property is at an elevation of about 2,100 feet, Mr. Heatwole said, and overlooks the Channel Islands of California.

A major reason why the couple decided to build here, despite the difficulty, was the 'spectacular' sandstone rock formations. The building was designed around the massive stones. The property is at an elevation of about 2,100 feet, Mr. Heatwole said, and overlooks the Channel Islands of California.

Mr. Heatwole said they wanted to build a contemporary home that 'fit in' with the surrounding terrain. The house is primarily constructed of glass, steel and stone, and does not include any wood on the exterior. Mr. Heatwole declined to provide the construction cost, but said it 'exceeds the ask.'

Mr. Heatwole said they wanted to build a contemporary home that 'fit in' with the surrounding terrain. The house is primarily constructed of glass, steel and stone, and does not include any wood on the exterior. Mr. Heatwole declined to provide the construction cost, but said it 'exceeds the ask.'

Mr. Heatwole says that on a clear day, they can see all eight of the Channel Islands. Slate stone used on the outside is also used inside the home the tie the space together. 'The concept from a design standpoint was an exterior-interior flow,' he said.

Mr. Heatwole says that on a clear day, they can see all eight of the Channel Islands. Slate stone used on the outside is also used inside the home the tie the space together. 'The concept from a design standpoint was an exterior-interior flow,' he said.

The main living area has polished concrete flooring. Large pocket doors with screens open up to the outdoors in the dining room, living room and master bedroom. Mr. Heatwole is a corporate-finance attorney and business executive.

The main living area has polished concrete flooring. Large pocket doors with screens open up to the outdoors in the dining room, living room and master bedroom. Mr. Heatwole is a corporate-finance attorney and business executive.

None of the rooms have curtains, Mr. Heatwole says, because 'there is no neighbor that can see this house.' The glass is tinted for sun protection. The main house measures 2,971 square feet and has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. There is also a roughly 800-square-foot detached guesthouse.

None of the rooms have curtains, Mr. Heatwole says, because 'there is no neighbor that can see this house.' The glass is tinted for sun protection. The main house measures 2,971 square feet and has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. There is also a roughly 800-square-foot detached guesthouse.

Some of the rock formations on the property are 'at least four stories high,' said Dave Kent, one of the listing agents. A large part of the design process for the home 'consisted of communing with nature in a raw state,' Mr. Heatwole said.

Some of the rock formations on the property are 'at least four stories high,' said Dave Kent, one of the listing agents. A large part of the design process for the home 'consisted of communing with nature in a raw state,' Mr. Heatwole said.

The house includes energy-efficient features, like solar panels on the roof that supplement their energy use. Water is sourced from a well on the property. From a utilities standpoint, he said, there is only the 'nominal' cost of electricity and propane. And thanks to the mild weather, heating the home is rarely necessary, he said. The kitchen is shown.

The house includes energy-efficient features, like solar panels on the roof that supplement their energy use. Water is sourced from a well on the property. From a utilities standpoint, he said, there is only the 'nominal' cost of electricity and propane. And thanks to the mild weather, heating the home is rarely necessary, he said. The kitchen is shown.